On behalf of the National Science Foundation, STELAR hosted more than 90 ITEST projects at the 2018 Summit.

2018 STELAR ITEST Principal Investigator and Evaluator Summit
Equity and Access at the Human-Technology Frontier

Monday, May 14 - Tuesday, May 15, 2018
(Legislative visits to be held Wednesday, May 16)
The Westin Alexandria, 400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria VA 22314

The STEM Learning and Research Center, resource center for the NSF ITEST Program, will host our annual meeting this fall. 

2021 ITEST Principal Investigator Meeting to be held virtually September 22-24, 12-5 pm ET 

In acknowledgement of the impact of the pandemic, our meeting theme for 2021 is:  

On Wednesday, July 7, STELAR hosted National Science Foundation Program Officers for the second webinar on the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program’s Solicitation (NSF 19-583).

On June 30, STELAR hosted National Science Foundation Program Officers for a series of informative webinars on the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program’s Solicitation (NSF 19-583).  During this webinar NSF Program Officers Bob Russell, Alicia Santiago, and Gavin Fulmer, reviewed the goals of the ITEST program, highlighted key aspects of the solicitation, and provided guidance on developing a competitive proposal.

Take a quick tour through the scales and items that have worked (and not worked) for a recent ITEST evaluation conducted with middle and high school students. Then look ahead to instruments we are considering for a new ITEST project that begins data collection with elementary school students this fall.

Join NSF Resource Center CIRCL, the Center for Innovative Research in CyberLearning, for the third webinar in an eColloq Series on Cyberlearning. This session features presentations by STELAR's Joyce Malyn-Smith and Sarita Pillai, followed by discussion. The eColloq will be chaired by Michael Hoffmann, Georgia Institute of Technology.

This Summit's focus was on Using Evaluation-Research Methodology to Inform Workforce Development Strategies and Project Scale-Up. Several of the summit presentations and panels were archived.

See link to Summit highlights.

STELAR and select ITEST projects delivered a panel presentation at the Massachusetts STEM Summit in Worcester's DCU Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Moderator:  Sarita Pillai

This Summit's focus was on New Learning and the New Learner: Harnessing IT to Reinvent the Education Landscape. Key Summit activities addressed these important issues facing our nation's workforce:

During this informal online gathering, members of ITEST project teams met with STELAR's survey coordinator, Brianna Roche, to learn tips for completion and how to avoid common pitfalls. 

Topics included:

COVID-19 is changing many aspects of our life, including how we do our work. While “social distancing” has become the new normal, maintaining connections with our colleagues and stakeholders has become increasingly important. As the resource center for the ITEST program, we would like to provide an open space for currently funded projects to come together as a community and discuss: 

 Announcing the launch of the 2020-2021 ITEST Community Meetups! 

In the fall of 2018 STELAR staff held a series of ‘virtual meetups’ with  ITEST Community of Practice members to learn more about the work that projects have been engaged in and to uncover the challenges that projects have faced. The STELAR team reviewed the discussions for common themes, and identified three topic areas where examples of best-practices would benefit the community. These topics are:

Presenters: Siobhan Bredin, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Liesl Hotaling, COSEE

Presenters: Karen Michaelson, RSSIT; Walt Allan/Jeri Erickson, EcoScience Works; Claudia Morrell, ESTEEM; Mike Barnett, Urban Ecology; Harry Helling, SeaTech

Presenters: Siobhan Bredin, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Cynthia Newson, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Dr. Kimberly A. Scott, COMPUGIRLS; Dr. Kevin Clark, Game Design Through Mentoring and Collaboration; Dr. Daryl Williams, National Science Foundation

Moderator: Sarita Pillai, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC

Presenters: Steve Bean/Jacob Martinez, Girl Game Company; Angela Calabrese Barton, GET City; Heather Almquist, Paleo Exploration

Presenters: Siobhan Bredin, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Cynthia Newson, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; CREST PIs and participants; Urban Ecology PIs and participants

Presenter: Tony Streit, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Carrie Parker, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Karen Peterson, National Girls Collaborative; Siobhan Bredin, ITEST Learning Resource Center at EDC; Jennifer Adams, attendee; Priti Gupta, attendee

Moderator: Alyssa Na'im

Presenters: Araceli Martinez Ortiz, Sustainable Future; Pam Van Dyck, Evaluation Resources; Karen Yanowitz, CSI; Angelique Tucker Blackmon, Try-IT

Presenters: Daryl Williams, NSF; Ruth Kermish-Allen, CREST; Kevin Clark, Game Design Through Mentoring and Collaboration; Patrik Lundh, Studio STEM; Jacob Martinez, TEC

Presenters: Jacob Martinez, Project Director, Watsonville TEC, Animando a Estudiantes con Technologia (AET); Patrik Lundh, Education Researcher, SRI International, Girls InnovaTE3

Presenters: Chris Dede, PI, Studying Technology-based Strategies for Enhancing Student Interest in STEM Careers through Algebra Curricula in Grades 5-9; Beth McGrath, PI, BISU; Carolyn Staudt, PI, ITSI-SU; Brad Barker, PI, National Robotics in 4-H: Workforce Skills for the 21st Century

Moderators: Jeanne Chowning, Bio-ITEST; Dina Kovarik, Bio-ITEST

Presenters: Sam Tran, Amgen; Piper Schwenke, NOAA

Presenters: Svetlana Darche, WestEd; Erin Fender, Career Academy Support Network

Presenter: Dan Damelin, RI-ITEST

Summary: This webinar explored types of embedded assessments, how to include them in computer-based activities, and a model system for collecting data for teachers, students, and researchers. Examples were primarily drawn from the Rhode Island ITEST project, but the systems in which materials are embedded could be used by other projects. 

Presenters: David Gibson, Global Challenge Award; Steve Bean/Jacob Martinez, Girl Game Company

Summary: This webinar explored how educators leverage games and computer simulations to create dynamic learning experiences and was based on an IdeaBrief by the same name.

During this webinar, participants heard from ITEST projects working across the U.S. to learn specific frameworks for fostering and assessing youth motivation and STEM career interest. This webinar discussed recent developments in theory and measurement of youth interest in STEM careers. The purpose of the webinar was to share Principal Investigator knowledge of measurement techniques, analysis problems, and theories of youth motivation.

On November 9th, 2015 Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and SRI International, with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), hosted a one-day Forum on “Next Generation STEM Learning for All” in Washington D.C.

Recorded webinar sessions from the Ninth Annual NSF ITEST Summit are linked below.

STELAR hosted the NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Principal Investigator & Evaluator Convening on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The convening was for active ITEST PIs and evaluators and was an opportunity to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the ITEST program. The event preceded the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Principal Investigator Meeting at the Marriott Wardman Park.

STELAR hosted this one-day workshop on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL), which was designed for people who have not been previously funded through the National Science Foundation's ITEST (Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers) Program.

STELAR hosted a special webinar held on behalf of the National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) highlighting funding opportunities within EHR especially aimed at broadening participation in STEM. 

Thursday, June 22, 12:30-3 pm ET

Program Officers from all four EHR Divisions presented:

On July 14 and July 21, STELAR will host NSF Program Officers Robert Russell, Gavin Fulmer, and Alicia Santiago for two general questions sessions designed for those planning to submit proposals on August 13, 2021. This will be an “office hours” style discussion and will be geared towards answering general questions around completing the required proposal sections and finalizing your submission. Questions that are submitted in advance, and questions posed during the office hours will be addressed throughout the office hours session. 

On July 21, STELAR will host NSF Program Officers Robert Russell, Gavin Fulmer, and Alicia Santiago. This session is the second session in a 3 part series, designed for those planning to submit proposals on August 13, 2021. This will be an “office hours” style discussion and will be geared towards answering general questions around completing the required proposal sections and finalizing your submission. Questions that are submitted in advance, and questions posed during the office hours will be addressed throughout the office hours session. 

On August 3, STELAR will host NSF Program Officers Robert Russell, Gavin Fulmer, and Alicia Santiago for a procedural/budget/technical questions session designed for those planning to submit proposals on August 13, 2021. This will be an “office hours” style discussion and will be geared towards answering procedural, budget related, and technical questions around completing the required proposal sections and finalizing your submission.

The National Science Foundation published NSF 21-033, “Advancing Quantum Education and Workforce Development” in December 2020. This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) encourages submission of proposals for projects that will motivate and prepare students for quantum industries of the future. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is interested in preparation of students for quantum information science and engineering (QISE) at all levels and in all settings, both formal and informal.

The National Science Foundation published NSF 21-033, “Advancing Quantum Education and Workforce Development” in December 2020. This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) encourages submission of proposals for projects that will motivate and prepare students for quantum industries of the future. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is interested in preparation of students for quantum information science and engineering (QISE) at all levels and in all settings, both formal and informal.

COVID-19 is changing many aspects of our life, including how we do our work. While “social distancing” has become the new normal, maintaining connections with our colleagues and stakeholders has become increasingly important. As the resource center for the ITEST program, we would like to provide an open space for currently funded projects to come together as a community and discuss: 

In addition to an NSF cross-program panel and keynote addresses, this Summit featured numerous breakout sessions hosted by ITEST project PIs and evaluators in 4 strands: Shaping educational pathways to STEM careers, Embedding research and assessment into project work, Evaluation, and Topics of general interest.

Embedding Research and Assessment into Project Work

Join STELAR at the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Virtual Vision 2020. 

ACTE provides educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce, and empowers educators to deliver high quality CTE programs that ensure all students are positioned for career success. This year the conference will be held entirely online. 

Conference will take place from Nov. 30 - Dec. 4

STELAR Program Schedule:

American Evaluation Association’s (AEA) 33rd Annual Conference
Evaluation 2019: Paths to the Future of Evaluation: Contribution, Leadership, and Renewal
November 11 – 16 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Brokering Broadening Participation Investments in K-16 STEM Education Research and Program Evaluation: The Role of Federally-Funded Technical Assistance and Resource Centers

The STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit was held on Monday and Tuesday, May 2-3, 2016, at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, VA. The Summit was an opportunity for ITEST Principal Investigators (PIs) and evaluators to come together and share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the ITEST program. More than 150 people attended the Summit, representing 80 ITEST projects.

The STELAR ITEST PI & Evaluator Summit is an annual opportunity for ITEST Principal Investigators (PIs) and evaluators to come together and share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the ITEST program. 

Unable to attend the Summit in-person? Join your colleagues online for our first-ever live-stream event!

In addition to recording all plenary sessions, this year STELAR will also be live-streaming the event during all plenary sessions. All members of the ITEST Community, and those interested in ITEST funding, are invited to attend. On submission of your registration you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect. 

On Thursday, July 28, STELAR hosted a special webinar on behalf of the National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) highlighting upcoming funding opportunities within EHR especially aimed at broadening participation in STEM. 

Program Officers from all four EHR Divisions presented:

Results from the Management Information System, which collects data from all active ITEST projects about what the projects do and whom they serve, showed that 51% of ITEST projects in the 2013-2014 school year included mentoring of youth participants as one of their project activities. During this webinar we will hear from three such ITEST projects and we’ll explore their mentoring structures, goals, challenges and successes.

STELAR hosted two webinars to provide information and answer questions about the 2013/2014 NSF ITEST Solicitation.

The first informational webinar took place on December 12, 2013.

Presenters: David Haury, National Science Foundation; Robert Russell, National Science Foundation; Sarita Pillai, STELAR; Jacob Martinez, TEC; Dina Kovarik, Bio-Test

STELAR hosted an informational webinar with an NSF Program Officer on Wednesday, September 3, 2014,  on the most recent ITEST Solicitation (NSF 14-512).  

Solicitation link: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14512/nsf14512.htm

Proposals due: November 6, 2014.

Synopsis of ITEST Program:

STELAR hosted an informational webinar with NSF Program Officers to discuss the 2015 ITEST solicitation.

The slides and a recording of the presentation are available on this page for your review.

Solicitation link: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2015/nsf15599/nsf15599.htm

Proposals due: November 13, 2015

Synopsis of ITEST Program:

STELAR hosted an informational webinar with NSF Program Officers to discuss the 2016 ITEST solicitation. View a recording of the webinar below, and access presentation slides under the related documents section on the right. 

On Thursday, June 20, 3:00-4:30 pm STELAR hosted National Science Foundation Program Officers Alejandra Sorto and Amy Wilson-Lopez for an informative webinar on the 2019 Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program Solicitation (NSF 19-583).

During the webinar Program Officers reviewed the goals of the ITEST program, detailed the revisions made to the 2019 solicitation, and provided guidance on developing a successful submission.

On Thursday, February 22, STELAR presented the third of four webinars in our series exploring the educational and social implications of living, learning and working in a future driven by technology.

Attendees learned how to develop highly effective dissemination plans from seasoned PIs in ITEST and other NSF programs. Presenters shared strategies, lessons learned, ways to leverage technology, and helped to identify non-traditional dissemination venues that are often overlooked.

On Thursday, January 25, the STELAR authors of Building the Foundational Skills Needed for Success in Work at the Human-Technology Frontier presented in the first of four webinars in our series exploring the educational and social implications of living, learning and working in a future driven by technology. 

Attendees joined us in discussing the elements of Career Education that can help frame your ITEST proposal/project and the types of workforce/career education data that projects should be collecting to document students’ journeys to STEM careers.

This webinar will provided an overview of NSF funding opportunities for educational research and development projects that focus on STEM learning and learning environments, STEM workforce development, and broadening participation in STEM.  The webinar covered basics on developing and submitting an NSF proposal, and highlighted program resource websites that provide a wealth of information on funded projects, research reports, project videos, and other information.

On Tuesday, October 18, STELAR hosted NSF Program Officers David Haury and Robert Russell as they presented a webinar on National Science Foundation funding for research, development, and small business proposals for Maker-focused projects.  

During this webinar brief overviews were provided of the following programs and opportunities:

On Tuesday, May 22, STELAR hosted NSF Program Officers Robert Russell and Brian Smith for a webinar to share information about Maker initiatives and NSF funded work in the Maker field.

On May 30, 2019 STELAR hosted NSF Program Officer Robert Russell for a webinar that shared information about NSF Maker initiatives and NSF funded work in the Maker Education field.

On Thursday, November 3, STELAR hosted NSF Program Officers Bob Russell and Erick Jones as they presented a webinar on National Science Foundation funding for R&D education projects funded through the Dear Colleague Letter Catalyzing the Future of Making (NSF 15-086). NOTE: This is a NEW webinar, not a repeat of the information provided on October 18.

On Monday, July 13, STELAR held a webinar on behalf of the National Science Foundation sharing details of the recently-released Dear Colleague Letter: Advancing Educational Innovations that Motivate and Prepare PreK-12 Learners for Computationally-Intensive Industries of the Future (NSF 20-101). 

On Monday, October 24, STELAR hosted NSF Program Officer Celestine Pea as she presented a webinar on National Science Foundation funding for eligible research organizations to submit proposals to one of five existing NSF programs (DR-PreK-12, ITEST, AISL, HBCU-UP, and/or IUSE) on the topic of Life STEM (Life sciences and biosciences). Dr. Pea was joined by colleagues David Haury, David Campbell, Julie Johnson, Myles Boylan, and Earnestine Easter. 

On August 4, STELAR hosted NSF Program Officers Monica Cardella and Robert Russell for a final Q&A session designed for those planning to submit proposals on August 14, 2020. The was held as an “office hours” style discussion, and was geared towards answering the more technical questions around completing the required proposal sections and finalizing your submission. Questions that were submitted in advance, as well as throughout the webinar. 

Join authors of "Building the Foundational Skills Needed for Success in Work at the Human-Technology Frontier," for the final webinar in our four-part series exploring the educational and social implications of living, learning and working in a future driven by technology. 

On February 28, STELAR hosted authors of three papers featured in our recent ITEST special issue published in the Journal of Science Education and Technology (JOST).

In this webinar, PIs and evaluators described how they are meeting the challenge of incorporating rigorous research designs and evaluations that provide useful measures of project success, all while developing dynamic activities within the ITEST framework.

Dr.

Presenter: Barb MacEachern, SportsLab: 2020

This webinar offered guidance to ITEST PIs and evaluators on writing successful and useful NSF ITEST annual reports. During the webinar Dr. David Haury, Program Director of the NSF ITEST program, provided key information and insights, and addressed questions posed by attendees.

This webinar focused on current findings from the ITEST program related to youth motivation and STEM career development. Participants heard from ITEST projects working across the U.S. to learn specific strategies for as well as successes and challenges with fostering and assessing youth motivation and STEM career interest.